Lawrence-area residents are answering the call for volunteers, but organizers of Ironman 70.3 Kansas say they’re looking for about 75 to 100 more people to pick up.

Ryan Robinson, the race’s co-director, said about 300 people already had agreed to help with weekend events that begin with registration and Ironman expo June 12 and end with the race June 14.

But more help is needed, he said. Volunteers get a T-shirt, a chance to enjoy free food and entertainment, and the opportunity to bolster Lawrence’s reputation for being a competition-friendly site.

And that’s important, he said, when 2,000 athletes from 50 states and 13 countries show up with another 4,000 to 6,000 family, friends and supporters.

“Last year, people came in and the greatest impression they left with from the city of Lawrence was the people,” Robinson said. “They could definitely see that Lawrence is a community that comes out and supports its events.”

From assisting with registration Friday afternoon to operating aid stations Sunday morning and cleaning up Sunday afternoon, individuals and groups have a variety of volunteer opportunities to choose from. Groups bringing 15 to 20 volunteers are eligible to receive a donation of $300.

For more information, visit this site,
or e-mail volunteers@ironmankansas.com.